Refrigerating apparatus



Sept. 20, 1932.

L. K. WRIGHT REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 44 1928 2. Sheets-Sheet k w z Sept. 20, 1932. WRIGHT w 1,878,225

REFRIGERATING AFPARATUS Filed Jan. 4. 1928 2Sheets-Sheet 2 uumgum' ulm" II II I Patented Sept. 20', 1932 LEONARD KAY WRIGHT, or .iAcxsonnmen'rs, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK REFBIGERATING. APPARATUS I Application filed Ianuary 4, 1928. Serial No. 244,445.

This invention relates to refrigeration, and more particularly has reference to a refr1gcrating apparatus.

In the refrigerating devices heretofore employed, much difficulty has been experienced in securin an efficient and economical apparatus. any of the devices have been of ah extremely complicated construction, w1th numerous movable parts.

lc wear and need of repair in such apparatus erable trouble.

have been pronounced regardless of whether the machine is ofthe compression or adsorption type. Particularly the valves, necessary in most apparatus, have caused consid- Other machines have been of a construction whereby the refrigerant and other agents employed have lodged in various portions of the apparatus, seriously im-.

peding, if ,'not preventing, operation of the Q process. It has also been necessary hereto- 3 forth refrigerants thatare condensed and liquefied through the use'of atmospheric confore to employ a water cooled condenser in adsorption or absorption apparatus, becauseof the character. of refrigerant used. In c0- p'endmg applications of mine,- there are set densers, and it is therefore unnecessary to inelude in a refrigeratingapparatus a con denser of so intricate constructlon as water condensers. Most of the refrigerators heretofore employed have been ungainly and of a cumbersome size.

An object of this invention is to devise a refrigerating process. r

Another object of this invention is to provide a refrigerating apparatus,'that is both inexpensive .to construct and eflicient in operation.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a valveless refrigerating apparatus equipped with an air cooled condenser.

A further object of this invention is to pro vide a refrigerating apparatusthat can be quickly, easily and cheaply installed in almost any existing ice box, without alteration of the box other than chamber door.

1 And still another object is to make use of the space existing at the front and at the top Consequently the the removal of the iceof the box and locate in this otherwise wasted ed to act as both an adsorber and generator,

condensing means, a receptacle for thecondensate', and evaporating means.

To insure an adequate comprehension of my invention, and wishing it to be distinctly understood that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit, or exceeding the scope, of the appended claims, reference is made to" the accompanying drawings, in which similar numerals indicate corresponding parts:

Figure 1 is a view of my complete apparatus with a portion thereof broken away to fully set forth the various elements.

Figure 2 is a view along the line 22 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 3 is a view along the line 3-3 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows. A

- Figure 4 is a view along the lines 44 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a control device.-

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic showing of the electrical circuit employed in my ap aratus.-

There is shown inFigure 1 an ice ox 1 of the conventional type, having a compartment 2 ordinarily used'for the reception of ice. My invention is adapted to be installed in an ordinary refrigerator, the major portion of the apparatus being inserted in that compartment provided for the storage of ice. To convert such an icebox into an automatic modern refrigerator, it is merely necessary toremove the door of the ice compartment and emplace in the compartment my apparatus. A tank 3, preferably composed of such material that heat may readily be transferred through it, is positioned in the compartment.

pressure tight valve 5 whose use will also be hereinafter set forth. The tank 3 is mounted upon a panel 6 by means of rivets 7, screws,

or other suitable fastening means. The panel 6 is provided with an aperture 6 of the same size as the recess 4.

The panel 6, with the attached tank 3, is screwed to another panel 8. The panel 8 extendsover the doorway of the ice compartment 2, and also slightly above the top of. the box 1. Both of the panels should heat into the compartment through the oints.

Screws 11, extending through the panel and into the body of the box 1, securely hold the panel in air and heat tight contact with the box. v

The panel 8 is also provided with an open- 1. ing 12 of substantially the same size and corresponding to the opening 11 in the other panel 6. The openings in the two panels may be lined with metal stripping or other suitable material if desired. The recessed portion 4 of the tank 3, and the openings of the two panels, are adapted to receive a tray 13, shown herein as being composed of three compartments, 14, 15 and 16, which tray may be used for the purpose of freezing ice, molding desserts, and other similar uses. Of course, the tray may be composed of one com artment or, as shown in the drawings, may be sub-divided. It is preferable to provide separate trays, so that any one may be removed from the freezing pocket without disturbing the others. Grids may be provided in the trays when it is desired to free cube ice in them. The face 17 of each compartment is recessed as at 18, and within the recess is a handle 19. 'The handle may be folded within the recess which permits a door 21 to be securely closed over the tray.

The door 21 is supported on the panel 8 i by means of hinges 22, preferably of the spring type which maintain the door tightly against the face of the panel. A knob 23, or other appropriate grip, is provided for the door 21. Gaskets 24 of rubber or other suitable material are provided to render the interior of the recess 4 free from the hotter air of the atmosphere. When the tray is removed from the recess, the door will then provide an appropriate closure for the compartment.

At the top of the panel 8 there is supported at right angles another panel 25. The panel 25 is secured to the panel 8 by suitable means, not'shown, and extends overthe top of the refrigerator 1. Under certain conditions the panel 25'may be ;;T'. tted. A casing 26 is supported on the two panels composed of suit able material. The casing 26 is provided at its lower extremity with a screen 27 or other appropriate opening whereby air may enter ear its top the casing is from the bottom. provided with other screens 28 for the emission of air. The casing forms an air tight compartment except for the two screen opening's just described, and therefore affords a channel for a draft from the lower to the upper screen. g

A curved plate 29 is provided in the rear of the casing, inorder todivert all air arising from the lower screen out through the upper screen. This plate-prevents the formation of air pockets in the sharp angular portion of the casing. It will also be observed that the casing is curved as'at 31, in order to further reduce the formation of air pockets. The, casing 26 is provided with a lining 32,

composed of asbestos or other suitable heat insulating material, to prevent a heat transfer through the casing.

Supported by arms 33, a tank 34 is positioned within the casing 26 and on top of the box. The tank 34 is substantially cylindrical, with bulged ends 35 and 36 in accordance with standard boiler practice. Of course, under suitable circumstances the particular shape of this tank may be modified. A neck 37 is provided on the tank in which there is ment. While I have shown herein an apparatus adapted for use with electricity, it is not without the purview of my invention to employ some other heating medium, such as gas, oil or steam. Wires 42 are connected to the heating coil and extend to a control mechanism which will be hereinafter described. When current is supplied, the resistance coil 41 heats the contents of the tank.

As is well known,.the capacity of an adsorbent or absorbent is'a function of its temperature. When a refrigerant is therefore introduced into the tank 34, and the adsorbent is at a low temperature, the refriger ant is taken up by the adsorbent. This adsorption creates a suction in the tank 34,

which extends to all parts of the refrigerating system that is in open communication with the tank. On the application of heat to the adsorbent, the refrigerant previously taken up is driven ofl. in the form of a gas. T

Extending from the upper part of the tank 45. These plates are connected to each con-' volution of the pipe in a heat exchange relationship, and provide additional dissipating means for the heat evolved during condensation of the refrigerant. Suitable supports 47 are provided for the condenser which are mounted on the panel 25. Under suitable circumstances, any of the conventional aircooled condensers, equipped preferably with v the valve 53 ruptures, the bum, in absorblng pins or radiating discs, may be used.

The gaseous refrigerant is condensed during the heating cycle. All of the heat that is applied to the adsorbent cannot be retained.

within the tank 34. The air surrounding the tank 34 which is thus heated passes out of the casing 26 through the screen'28, causing a rush of cooler air from the lower part of the casing to replace the escaping air. During the heating cycle there is therefore a draft through the casing 26, and the condenser is exposed to a constantly changing. body of fresh and cooler air. The heattake'n up from the condenser 44 by this cool air also causes the air to rise, aiding in the maintenance of a draft. 7

In Figure 1 there is shown the condenser 44 angularly disposed. It will be observed that air entering the lower screened inlet 27 has a circuitous path to follow, passingover the radiator plates and convoluted condenser several times before its exit from the absorber casing Either integral with, or suitably ointed to, the lower or discharge end of the condenser 44, is a pipe 48. This pipe passes through the panels 8 and-6 into the brine tank in an air and heat proof fit, in order that warm air may not enter the interior of the box, and is slightly inclined as shown in Figure 1. Q

The pipe enters the upper portion of a receiving tank '49 in a fluid tight fit. The receiving tank rests upon the top of the recess 4, although under suitable circumstances its position may be changed. Referring particularly to Fig. 4, it will be observed that the receiving tank is'provided with bulged ends 51 and 52. The condensed refrigerant is in flange 64 coextensive with the flange 61.-

excess pressure within the system, which might otherwise result in an explosion, this safety valve will ermit the liquid or gas to flow into the rine solution contained within the tank and thus avert serious .accident. Practically all refrigerants when mixed with a brine solution are non-inflammable and non-explosive. Should any of this mixed brine solution and refrigerant escape from the tank 3, there would therefore be no fire hazard.

This brine may be a solution of water and salt, calcium chloride or others of the halogen salts group or may be alcohol, or glycerlne, and water may be used. The cap 5 is re-- moved, tank 3 -filled with the solution, and the cap 5 replaced. The cap 5 serves to seal the tank 3 so that none of the solution can Levaporate. The cap 5 is constructed so that when the pressure within the tank3 increases it will be lifted or blown out. If

the refrigerant, increases in volume and forces the cap 5. The mixture of brine and refrigerant-can then escape and run down a drain pipe- (not shown) from the ice compartment 2.

The solution in the tank 3 also permits a lowering of the temperature below the freezq ing point of Water, and provides a medium whereby these lower temperatures may be more uniformly maintained.

An'outlet pipe 54 is joined to the base of the receiving tank 49 in a fluid tight fit, and

empties into the base of a well 55.

will be observed that this well comprises a c linder 56, provided with an integral base formihg a fluid tight container for a liquefied refrigerant 58. The upper portion of this casing is-threaded as at 59, and is adapted to receive a correspondingly threaded annular flange 61. The flange is screwed onto 'the cylinder- 56, and by means of welding, brazing or'through the use of a thread-securing mixture, such as pipe compounds, or litharge and glycerine, a fluid tight joint or union is established. A bearing plate 62 of suitable insulating material is positioned securely on the top of the cylinder 56. The flange 61 itself may be provlded with a socket or shoulder to receive the bearing plate62, or the cylinder may be screwed into the flange until the upper face of the'flange is flush with the top of the c linder. There fits upon the earing plate 62, maintaining it firmly againstthe cylinder and flange, a cap 63-, provided with an annular Bolts 65, or other equivalents, secu'rely hold the cap 63 and the flange61 in close contact. Litharge, or'other suitable means, may be inserted between the flanges 61 and 64 to form a fluid ti ht joint. A gasket, composed of rubber, as stos, fibre, or a fluid tight mix ture ca able of bein compressed may placed tween the nges to maintain a Referring'more particularly to Fig. 5, it

tight 'oint, which will also aid in easily disassem ling the apparatus. An aperture 66 is formed in the cap 63, surrounded by aneck 67. Referring to Figure 1, it will be observed that. the neck 67 extends throu h the top of the brine tank 3 in a fluid tight t.

In'the space formed by the cap 63 and the bearing plate 62, there is inserted a suitable insulating compound, such as tar, pitch, or sealing wax. The space... is filled with the compound, either in hot or cold condition, which serves to insulate the wires and posts. In the event of rough handling of the apparatus, this insulating material will prevent water or vapor entering the space and short circuiting the posts or wires. This filler material also provides a backing for the hearing plate 62 and strengthen the plate against the high internal pressures frequently encountered. V

Through the bearing plate '62 there extend rods 68, only one of'which is visible in Fig. 5, which are adapted to serve as supports for a bulb 69. The bulb 69 is pivoted between the supports and the pivotal means, which are electrical conductors, extend within the bulb to approximately one end, as shown at 70 in Fig. 6.

That end of the bulb 69 toward which the pivot extends has fused in it a wire 71. The opposite end of the wire 71 is connected to a binding post 72 which extends through the bearlng plate 62. A cable 73, composed of two wires 74 and 75, extendsthrough the neck 67 into the cap 63. The wire 74 is joined to one or both of the rods 68, and the wire 75 is joined to the binding post 72.

The electrical connections for the bulb 69, may be as shown in Figure 5, or it may be preferable to eliminate the post 7 2 and wire 71, in which event each of the posts 68 serves as an electrical conductor, the bulb being equipped with two pivotal means extending into each of the rods 68, and which also extend Within the bulb to within a short distance of one end. The pivotalmeans serve to proximately half filling it, after which the conduct electricity from. the supports 68 to one end of the bulb. An electric circuit is established when the mercury flows into this end and bridges the two pivotal means. By providing this alternative arrangement", it is necessary to drill only two holes through the bearingplate 62, thus strengthening that member.

Mercury? 6 is inserted in the bulb 69, ap-

' bulb is eitherev aeuated or an inert gas under considerable pressure is forced into the tube after evacuation of the air. This prevents oxidation and serves to quench the arc incident to making or breaking the circuit. The pressure within the bulb also considerably strengthens the bulb notwithstanding the high (pressures to which it is frequently subjecte When the tube 69 is tilted so that the mercury falls to that end of the tube in which is fused the wire 71, the mercury covers both the pivotal means and the wire 71, establishing an electrical circuit. When the tube is tilted in the opposite direction, the electrical connection between the pivotal means and the wire 71 is broken. The cable 73 is joined to a suitable source of electrical supply, either a conventional city circuit or an appropriate battery or generator. It will therefore be seen that the tube 69 serves as a switch to open or closeithe circuit.

provided with beads 79 above and below the ring. A bead 81 is also provided on the shaft 78 near the top, and a head 82 is fixed to the shaft near the base.

Slidably mounted on the shaft 78 is a float 83. This float comprises a hollow sphere or vessel of some other shape provided with a tube 84 extending through. it. The tube 84 is'mounted in the bulbrin a water and pressure tight fit, and it is through the tube 84 that the rod 78 extends. Ample clearance Within the tube 84 is allowed for the rod 78, so that movement of the float 83 on the rod 78 is perfectly free. a

The float 83 is provided with another tube 85 extending within it ina fluid and pressure tight fit. The tube 85 extends to approximately the lowest part of the float 83, and on its exterior end is bent as shown at experienced heretofore with various floats used, for the marked differences between the internal and external pressures has crushed the floats. By equalizing the exterior and interior pressures, this disadvantage attendant in the prior floats, has been'obviated. The tube 85 also serves tomaintain the interior of the float free from any liquid. Should a refrigerant spray or liquid enter the float 83, it will be forced out through the tube 85 when there is a reduction in pressure-in the system, for the higher pressure existing within the float 83 will force the liquid within the float through the tube 85.

The level of the condensed refrigerant 58 in the well 55 will be the same as that existing in the receiving tank 49 and the position of the float 83 will therefore register the liquid level in the tank 49. As the level of frigerant in the continued.

As the liquid level decreases, the float 83 falls on the shaft 78, finally contacting with the bead 82. Further downward movement of the float 83 causes the shaft 78 to tilt the mercury tube (39, which closes the circuit and commences the heating of the adsorbent.

generator 34 will be dis- The operation of the mercury tube 69 is shown 111 more detail in Figure 6. The merports 68 and to the pivoting means, thence through the mercury to the other pivoting means and other support 68.

Suitably mounted in the base of the cyl inder 56 in a fluid and pressure tight fit is a pipe 88. The pipe 88 extends about the well 55 1n a spiral formation, as more clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, forming an evaporating coil 89. Abracket 91 is secured to the brine tank 3 by means of bolts 92 or other suitable means, serves to support the evaporating coil 89. The upper end of the coil 89 is connected to a T-joint 93. The opposite arm of-the T-joint is joined to a pipe 94, which is mounted in the top of the cylinder 56. The stem of the T-joint 93 is connected to a section of pipe 95 which is mounted in the top of the tank 49. It will be observed that the pipes 88 and 94 and coil 89 are in open communication with the well 55, and that the liquid level withinthe evaporator 89 is the same as that existing in the well 55 and the tank 49.

i From the foregoing the operation of my invention is apparent. The cap 38 is removed and the adsorbentisplaced in the generator 34. The necessary refrigerant is also introduced to the system through the neck 87, and the cap 38 is replaced. .As-

suming that'the adsorbent is cool, all of the refrigerant will be taken up by the adsorbent. There will be no liquid refrigerant in the tank 49, the well 55, or the evaporating coil 89. The fioa't83 will therefore be contacting with the head 82. The rod 7 8-will be forced downwardly, and the bulb 69 will be in the position shown in Figure 6. This will, close the circuit, and the resistance coil 41 will be supplied with electricity when the current is turned on. The heat generated by the resistance coil will permeate the-absorbent contained in tankl34, causing it to drive off the adsorbed refrigerant in the form of a gas. The gaseous refrigerant will pass out of the tank 34 through the pipe 43;

Heatin in the tank 34-anautogeneous pressure. This pressure, of course, extends to all of the system in open communication with the tank 34 The gas in the pipe 43 will therefore be the adsorbent will build up withv forced downwardly through the pipes 45 of the condenser 44.

The heat. escaping from the-tank 34 will pass out of the casing 26 through the screen 28, and the cooler air which rushes to replace the hotter escaping air will cause a draft to pass over the condenser 44. The incoming cooler air passes over the pipes and plates of the condenser twice before escaping through the screen 28, so that the condenser has an adequate exposure to the cooling effect of the fresh air. This cooling is enhanced by the plates 46 which are joined transversely to the convolutions of pipe 45. When a suitable refrigerant is employed, the lower temperatures produced in the condenserby virtue of this cooling are sufficient to liquefy the refrigerant. 1

B1 the time the refrigerant reaches the disc arge end of the condenser all or practically all of it has been liquefied, and passes through the pipe 48 to the tank 49. From the tank the liquefied refrigerant flows through the pipe 54 to the well 55. A portion of the refrigerant passin through the pipe 54 enters the pipe 88 an evaporating .coil 89. When the liquid levels in the well 55 and evaporator 89 extend as high'as the base of the tank 49, any subsequent rise in the level is simultaneous with an equal rise in the level of liquid in tank 49.

During the condensation and storage of the refrigerant in the tank 49, well 55, and evaporating coil 89, the complete system is subjected to a comparatively high pressure, sufficient to maintain the refrigerant in the tank 49, well 55, and the coil 89 in the liquid state. Continued condensation of the gaseous refrigerant fills the tank 49, and also the I well 55. During the rise of the refrigerant in the well 55, the float 83 likewise rises, and when the tank 49 is approximately filled with liquid refrigerant, the level in the well 55 will be such that the float 83 pushes against the head 81. This causes the tube 69 to be tilted so that the circuit is broken. The heating of the resistance coil 41 is therefore stopped,rand a fall in the temperature of the adsorbent ensues. Y

The refrigerating cycle is "now commenced. As stated, the tank 49, the well 55, and the evaporating coil 89 are all approximately substantially filled with a liquid refrigerant.

liquid phase. With termination of the heat- So long as there is a high 'pressurein the system, the refrigerant will remain in the The lowering of the temperatureof the adsorbent creates a suction by the adsorbent. This suction is felt throughout the system,-

and there consequently begins a vaporization of the liquefied refrigerant. This vaporization occurs to a certain extent in the tank 49 and the well 55, but the most pronounced vaporization and refrigerating effect occur within the coil 89. The vaporized refrigerant will pass from the well 55 into the pipe 94 through the T-joint 93, and pipe 95, and the vaporized refrigerant, from the coil 89, will pass directly through the pipe 95 to the tank 49. From the pipe 95 the refrigerant enters the tank 49, and from thence, together with the gasv from the refrigerant in tank 49, passes out through the pipe 48 into the coils 45. It

will be observed that the coils 45,. while acting as'a condenser during the heating cycle,

'fall to perform such function during the refrigerating cycle. There is not the same draft through the casing 26 during the refrigerating cycle as during the heating cycle, for the tank 34 is not giving off any appreciable heat. There is also, of course, a much lower pressure in the condenser 44 during the refrigerating cycle than during the evaporating cycle, and the refrigerant therefore will remain in a gaseous form, and ass through the pipe 43 to the tank 34 w ere it is taken up by the adsorbent. Even during a refrigeratlng cycle, the adsorbing tank 34 will remain slightly Warm, so that a limited draft will flow through the casing 26..

This draft will remove the latent heat of the refrigerant whichh'as been assimilated and removed from the refrigerating'chamber.

Y The heating cycle, as described above, will With vaporization of the refrigerant, there is an attendant fall in the liquid levels within the tank 49, the well 55, and the coil 89. When practicalyall of the refrigerant has been evaporated, the float 83, f'allin on the shaft 78, will contact with the bead 2. Any further fall of the float 83 will cause the rod 78 to be pulled downwardly and the mercury bulb 69 will be turned so that the mercury covers the pivoting means and the wire 71. This closes the electrical circuit, and the resistance coil 41 is'suppliedwith electricity.

then be repeated.

The advantages of my invention are .ap-

parent. The apparatus requires no attention after the operation is commenced.

My invention is not only automatic in operation, but it maintains in the refrigerating compartment a substantially uniform temperature. With an increased atmospheric temperature, or temperature within the refrigerator, there will be a more rapid vapor- .ization of the refrigerant during the refrigerating cycle, which will consequently 1ncrease the refrigerating effect. On the other hand, if the compartment 2 needs little recompartment 2 retards vaporization of the refrigerant; Should the pressure'within the system increase, the valve 53 will permit the refrigerant to escape into the brine solution is suflicient to assimilatethe amount of re frigerant contained in the system.

vfrigeratio n, the lower temperature in the The apparatus herein shown and described is valveless. -This is a decided advantage over the refrigerators heretofore used,-for

much difficulty has been experienced by reason of the valves wearing out, needof repair, and clogging by the refrigerant. By eliminating valves there is no call for lubrication, which has also seriously handicapped the prior refrigerators.

It will be observed that the apparatus is easy and economical to construct, yet it is of a rugged type that is'capable of. long and continued operation.

'It also eliminates .all connections, such as gas or water, and requires only a pliable connection to a source of electrical energy if attached to a city circuit. If thesource of electrical energy is self-contained in the refrigerator, there is no need for any connection whatsoever. By using an air cooled condenser and an appropriate refrigerant, the necessity for water is eliminated, materially increasing the. simplicity of the apparatus and reducing the cost of operation.

Where Inse the word adsorption it is to be 1tiaken as comprehending absorption as we I have used the word adsorbent-in the specification or claims it-is to cover likewise absorbent or a combination of adsorbent and absorbent.

It is of course obvious that'various modifications may be made in the structure set forth in the drawings and described herein, but I wish to have such drawings and de- It is also to' be understood that where scription taken as'exemplary merely and not definitive, the scope of my invention being determined merely by the appended claims.

I claim: i 1. A refrigerating apparatus comprising a generator, a condenser, a receiving tank,

all three'elements operatively associated, and

a safetyvalve positioned on the receiving tank. v

2. In a refrigerating apparatus, a'refrigcrating compartment, at one side of the coinpartment a tankadapted to receive a refrig- TF5 an adsorbent generator, a condenser in open communication therewith, a tank adapted to receive the condensate, and an evaporating coil and a well in communication with a tank, the adsorbent generator being adapted to be operated by means controlled by the level of the condensate in the Well.

4. In a refrigerating apparatus, a refrigen ating compartment, at one side of the compartment a tank adapted to receive a refrigerant, the tank being in open communication with an adsorher-generator, at the opposite end of the compartment a well connected with the tank by an open fluid line, means within the well to control the operation of the adsorber-generator, and an evaporating coil adjacent the well, the receiving .tank, well and evaporating coil being-in free communication.

In testlmony whereof I aflix my signature.

LEONARD KAY WRIGHT. 

